Skijoring With Your Dog

Since I wrote an article on Winter Activities With Your Dog I will be taking the next few days to write about each activity in more detail here on my blog. The first one we mentioned is Skijoring.

In my article I gave a very general idea of what Skijoring is, perhaps it would be a little more helpful to actually see what Im talking about. Take a look at this video.



As you can see, Skijoring can be very fun for your dog! This dog seems to live for it! Heres another-



Skijoring can be a lot of fun for you too. If you get joy out of doing things with your dog, take up some Skijoring and enjoy the winter!

Not enough snow where you are? How about some Urban mushing?



You can do this with roller blades, bikes, anything your dog can pull you on.

If your interested in learning more about Skijoring, take a look at Skijor With Your Dog.

Heres a book that can help you on your way to Skijoring with your dog- Ski Spot Run: The Enchanting World of Skijoring and Related Dog-Powered Sports

Their are many online sources to learn more about Skijoring, along with equipment for you and your dog. Here are a few to get you started;

• Skijoring with your dog
• Skijoring Information
• Ultra Paws

Now get out there and have fun with your dog!

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How to Condition Your Dog to a Muzzle

Image Credit

After a year of not posting on this blog, I am posting again! Not every day, just when I have something I feel like writing about and when I have the time to do so.

Today I wanted to go over How to Condition Your Dog to a Muzzle. This will come in handy if you have an aggressive dog, or a dog who just needs to wear a muzzle for grooming or nail trims. Or perhaps you use a muzzle for something else like barking or digging.

To Condition Your Dog to a Muzzle simple put a treat in the muzzle. As they put their nose in to get the treat, say Muzzle and mark it with a YES! or a click of a clicker. Repeat. Keep doing this till you can say Muzzle and your dog eagerly puts their nose in.

Once your dog is putting his nose in on cue, you can start buckling it around his head. Give him a treat, then take it off. Repeat this until your dog is looking for his treat after youve buckled the muzzle on him.

Next, let him wear it for a moment while you walk him around. Give him a treat every now and then for wearing the muzzle. If he tries to paw at it to get it off, tell him no and get his attention back on you. If he knows any tricks or anything, see if hell do them for some treats. After a few moments of your dog wearing the muzzle with out trying to get it off, take it off.

Make muzzle time, treat time! No muzzle equals no treats. Gradually build on how much time your dog wears the muzzle. Once he or she is feeling comfortable wearing it, gradually fade out the treats he gets while its on.

There you go! Now you have Your dog Conditioned to wearing a Muzzle!

Amy @ Talented K9 Dog Training
Talented K9 Website
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Handling Your Dog Nail Trims Grooming

As early as possible, you should start to get your puppy/dog use to being handled. He must learn to trust you and others to manipulate varies parts of his body for his own health and safety. You want to be able to touch all parts of him including his paws, ears, mouth, collar and tail.

In this 4 week class, we will teach you how to gradually expose your dog to handling exercises (including nail trims). You will work towards teaching your dog to build an association that handling is a good thing, he will learn to look forward to being handled by you and others.

Prerequisite: Current Vaccines(DHPP, Rabies & Bordetalla), Pass A Toledo Dog Training Class

Topics Covered: Motivation, Stress & Calming Signals, Body Language, Tools Of The Trade, Muzzle Desensitization If Needed

4 Weeks 1hr Classes $65 (continuing education discount already applied)

Class Day/Time/Dates 2009-Tentative
Mon 7pm (1-5; 1-12; No Class 1-19; 1-26; 2-2)
Thur 6pm (6-25; 7-2; 7-9; 7-16)
Thur 7pm (11-12; 11-19; No Class 11-26; 12-3; 12-10)

Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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5 Helpuful Uses For Teaching Your Dog Place

I wrote a Bubblews post the other day on 5 Helpful Uses for Teaching Your Dog Place. I wanted to share it with you guys! Place can be an extremely handy thing for your dog to know and is so easy to teach. In the picture, you see our dogs; Crash (Weimaraner) and Blackjack (Black Dog) on place at the lake! A nice way to keep your dog out of trouble.

Take a look at our Bubblews post; 5 Helpful Uses for Teaching Your Dog Place

Amy @ Talented K9 Dog Training
talentedk9dogtraining@gmail.com
Talented K9 Website
Facebook Page
YouTube Channel

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Finding Time with your Furry Friend

Finding time to actually spend with your dog can sometimes be a challenge. Dogs can need a lot of exercise, attention and stimulation to get them through the day and between work and/or kids it can be extremely hard to fill those needs. Not having time for a pet is also a big reason people place their pets for adoption but think of some of these alternate methods before making a choice such as that.

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Before getting a dog do research about the breed and the requirements that they will need, some dogs need more exercise than others and if their requirements are not met they can turn into "problem dogs". Make sure the dog you get suits your family. Not all dogs live up to their breed reputation but most research you do will give you a good guideline to follow.
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1. Schedule them into your free time - Whether that is once you get off work or during nap time, try and take them on a walk (for those moms that dont mind a napping child in a stroller). Taking them to a nearby park in the afternoon, after work or maybe when your significant other comes home, so that they can run around and play fetch is a great way to get some energy out and let them settle down before bed time. If your yard is big enough to throw a ball around back there that will also work and would be extra convenient for you! My husband will usually watch the kids when he gets off work so I can take the dogs on a walk or have some uninterrupted training sessions and it is an excellent little break for me!

2. Wake up a little earlier than normal - If you wake up at three because you work incredibly early or have a really long commute then you should probably disregard this option. If you work around 7,8 or 9 try waking up early enough to get them on a walk around the block or at least twenty minutes earlier to spend some time with your dog working on or refreshing basic training cues. Dog training is a simple way to give your dog some mental stimulation and can actually wear them out so after a quick little session in the morning they should be ready for the first nap of their day! I try to get out of bed before the kids so I can do some morning exercises and have a quick training session with my dogs. 

3. Find more "Dog people" to get together with - You can meet "dog people" at local parks or out on walks (assuming their dog is "dog friendly"). Dog people love their dog (or dogs) as much as you do and if you get a long (and your dogs of course) then try and schedule a time to get together with them for playdates or walks. This helps get you motivated to actually get you out of the house at a certain time to meet up with them. This choice is a great option since it also gives you an opportunity to make new friends. Having two dogs and two kids and a husband who works from before the sun rises until 4 daily, also throw in a couple days of him going to school during the week and not coming home until 8 at night, turns our little family into a lot on my plate, taking care of the kids, house maintenance, taking care of the dogs, while building a business! Im surely not wonder woman so there is definitely days where Im not as peppy as others, a lot of the friends I had been meeting since our move were absolute wonderful people but werent "dog people" and it almost made me feel like my dogs were more of an inconvenience than anything when they came around. That was until I met another person that loves dogs as much as I do, they made me remember why I got into dog training and how passionate I was about it. Dog people who understand your situation can be especially uplifting and help you find that time to spend with your dogs! Friends are always a must, but when youre a dog person, "dog people" friends are just as, if not more, important! ;)

4. Include them in your weekend plans - Even if your "weekend"(or any day you have off) is at some point during the week then plan a walk to the park or go to a dog friendly hiking trail, a lake or the beach! Bring a lunch and turn it into a picnic! This is something your whole family can do and a great way to get out and enjoy the weather and enjoy some family time!

5. Dog training daily - I used dog training in a lot of the previous recommendations but this really is a good way to bond with your pet and spend some time with them. It is also important! Dog training isnt just a one time deal, you have to continuously work with them and refresh their cues so that they continue to know what it means so even if your dog is fully trained it never hurts to refresh on the basics. When working with a dog trainer they usually have different cues you work on each week, say you spend a maximum of twenty minutes a day working on these cues you should break that training session up during the day, a few minutes in the morning a few minutes at night. Personally, I get into training with my dog and I lose track of time but you dont want to over do it, dogs can get tired and confused if you persistently work on a single or set of cues.

Along with the aforementioned, here are some alternate tips you can do for them while youre busy or away.

1. Give him toys while youre away - Toys that cant be destroyed easily (anything not stuffed) or that take a little bit of time during the day for them to figure out will give them something to play with while youre away or busy. I use the beehive shaped Kong, stuff it with some wet and dry dog food mix top it off with peanut butter and freeze it over night. This gives your dog something that will keep him busy while youre away and also lasts for a few hours. Another option is to hide treats throughout your house or backyard (if your dog does not stay in a kennel all day), they will either go hunt them down all at once after you leave or  every once in a while pick up the smell and go search for them.
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2. Hire a dog walker or find a doggy daycare - Finding a dog walker/daycare is a little like hiring a babysitter except for dogs, you can hire walkers to come daily during the week while youre working or busy, or even just a couple times during the week, whichever you decide to set up. Most dog walkers charge by hourly rates so if you can work out something you can afford with them then this is a great option to get them out of the house during the day, just be sure to stick to a budget. Websites such as care.com have access to dog walkers in your area and also allows you to post an ad that you are in need of a dog walker. This website can also do background checks for you but of course you will want to schedule an interview with the potential dog walker first and ask for references and experience to make sure they are the right fit for your family and needs. Search your area for reputable daycares and find out if your dog would be a good fit for that instead.

3. Give them a friend - Although this sounds like a step back in the whole "spending more time with your dog" ordeal, this can actually be a great option if you are too busy to give your dog all the attention he needs during the day. Giving your dog someone to hang out with while youre gone or busy can prevent them from feeling bored or lonely. If another animal fits your budget then it would definitely be something to consider. Also consider smaller dogs if you do have a big dog already, or maybe even a cat (if your dog is ok with cats).

If worse comes to worst and you absolutely need to rehome them because having a dog just doesnt work for you, give them the chance to find a real home instead of resorting to putting them in a shelter first. Ask family and friends to help spread word that you need help with them being rehomed. Use websites such as petfinder.com to post an ad or use your local newspaper or penny saver and do thorough checks on the home they could be potentially going to. Dog shelters are too over populated so we need to do our part to keep them out of there!

Also dont forget to spay and neuter!

 Follow my new Facebook page @: www.facebook.com/trainingwithalysia

Tomorrow - Adapting Training into your Daily Routines.

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How Well Is Your Havanese Groomed

How Well Is Your Havanese Groomed?

The reason one should groom his/her Havanese is simple - your dogs physical state influences the way he feels and the way you look at your dog. Extreme cases, where lack of proper care, cleaning and grooming can directly affect the behavior of your Havanese, are not rare.

Proper grooming not only infuses a healthy glow to your dogs appearance, but also helps develop his self-esteem; while it makes you a very proud parent, when you show off your Havanese to others.
The first step involved in dog grooming is: Brushing!

Brushing has been universally acknowledged by expert dog groomers as the single most important step in grooming.

The benefits of brushing are many. To name a few:

• Better blood circulation
• Shinier and healthier coat
• Better bonding

Subscribe to this FREE dog grooming mini course and learn more about brushing and combing and other grooming tools and their applications.

Even if you know how crucial brushing is for your Dogs health and well-being, we all know that there is a right way and a wrong way of doing anything. And without doubt, you would like to do everything the RIGHT way when it comes to your Havanese.

Yes, theres a method to follow while brushing your Havanese.

Here are FIVE steps to successfully brushing your Havanese that will prove to be extremely useful:

• Brush against the growth of the hair first with a slicker brush and then with a medium or wide-toothed comb.
  
  
• The slicker brush removes all the loose hair and the comb takes care of the tangles.
  
  
• Brush your Havanese along the hair growth and make sure you reach the skin as you brush his way.
  
  
• Then use a flea comb over the coat to get the fleas and remove any remaining tangles. Part the coat and start from the root and then comb through.
  
  
• If your Dogs paw pads are hairy, then clip them using electric clippers. Do not clip the hair in between the pads. Clip only the excess hair.

Brush your Dogs hairs to prevent it from matting. Matting can be a very painful experience.

Regular brushing untangles the matted hairs on your Dogs coat. Since this is a risky job to do, the best way out is to prevent them from forming in the first place. And doing this is simple: just brush and comb your Havanese regularly. If and when you see any mats or tangles, use a detangle solution and a medium-toothed comb.

Dont wait until your Havanese is dirty or matted to introduce him to grooming. That would make him associate the experience with unpleasantness. Moreover, many dogs learn to see their routine brushing as an alternate form of petting, i.e. another source of affection and attention.

Subscribe to this FREE dog grooming mini course and start Grooming your Dog all by yourself right from the comfort of your home Today.

Copyright (c) 2009 TrainPetDog.com

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Training Your Rottweiler to Listen to You

Training Your Rottweiler to Listen to You

Why Wont My Rottweiler Listen To Me?

This is a common question that most first-time Rottweiler owners ask me. Before I answer your question, let me ask you a few instead:

• Do you use cookies, collars, head halters or clickers to make your Rottweiler listen to your commands?

• Do you have to raise your voice every time you want your Rottweiler to listen to you?

• Does your Rottweiler always come or sit on command - anytime and anywhere you want him to?

If your answers are mostly in the negative, its time you seriously reconsider your role as a sincere Rottweiler trainer and an ideal pet parent.

Learn how to bond with your Rottweiler with this free mini course.

Get Your Rottweiler To Listen To You

Before you begin any training, you must first establish yourself as the "ALPHA dog" of your family. Your Rottweiler must know that you’re the leader of the pack and it is YOU who is in charge.

Here is a list of simple DOs and DONTs that you must follow if you want to be the Alpha:

• Always go out or come in through the door first - remember you are the leader;

• Always eat first - give your Rottweiler something to eat only after youve finished your meal;

• Don’t circle around your Rottweiler when he is lying on the floor - make your Rottweiler move out of your way instead;

• Dont let your Rottweiler set the rules - pay attention to him when you think fit and not whenever he demands;

• Don’t permit your Rottweiler to sleep with you in your bed - demarcate his sleeping area clearly.

Once you successfully established yourself as the Alpha, training your Rottweiler and making him listen will be a lot easier than you can imagine. Remember, if your Rottweiler does not learn to "listen", all your training efforts will be in vain!

Does your Rottweiler know his name? Does your Rottweiler look at you whenever you call him by his name? This is the first and the most critical step involved in Rottweiler Training. If your Rottweiler doesnt respond to his name, you cannot have his attention for teaching him any other commands.

To make sure that your Rottweiler recognizes his name, take a treat in your hand and hold it away from your body. Call your Rottweilers name. He is most likely to look at the treat in your hand. Continue calling his name untill he turns and looks at your eyes. Give him the treat immediately. Repeat this exercise by holding the treat in the other hand. Once youre sure that your Rottweiler has learnt to recognize his name, just call his name and reward him for looking at you by petting or with a hug.

You must understand that Rottweilers respond far better to positive reinforcement than they do to coercion or force.

Learn how to train your Rottweiler better with this free mini course.

Copyright (c) 2009 TrainPetDog.com

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Spring Is Here! list of plants that can be harmful to your dog

Its been a week since spring has officially started and it is getting warmer!

You know what else happens in spring?

 Flowers! All kinds of different flowers are blossoming in the spring time!

Yay for beautiful scenery and an awesome back drop for photos right?!

Well I wanted to make this post about flowers and plants because although they can be extremely beautiful they can also be extremely dangerous for your dog! Check your yard for plants that could possibly harm your dog and avoid buying them for planting to make sure your yard is puppy-proofed for spring!

Here is a list of the top ten most dangerous plants for your dog! Remember to never induce vomiting and contact your vet if you believe that your dog has ate something poisonous.

Lets keep our doggys safe this spring!

click link for more information on the harm each plant may cause your dog.

1. Autumn Crocus

2. Azalea

3. Cyclamen

 4. Kalanchoe

5. Lilies

6. Oleander

6. Dieffenbachia

  

7. Daffodils

  

8. Lily of the Valley

9. Sago Palm

  

10. Tulips and Hyacinths

Here is the list on ---> petpoisonhelpline

Here is a complete list of poisonous plants for your dogs at ---> ASPCA

Image credits to google search engine.

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Playing Tug With Your Dog

I am often asked if a dog should play tug.  Some people are concerned that their dog will become aggressive if playing tug with a person.  This is not the case if you play by a few simple rules.  A noted study by Dr. Rooney & Dr. Bradshaw confirm this.  No rules can easily cause your dog to become too aroused and not in control of himself.  Played right, tugging is a fun & cooperative came to play with your dog & increases your dogs self control.

Safety first.  You will want to ensure that your dog is physically able to play the game of tug.  According to one chiropractic, if your dog has neck, disc, spine or arthritis, this tugging should be avoided.   You will also want your dog to take the lead in tugging & not to get too carried away.

Soft Fleece Tug

The right kind of tug toy.  Long & soft!  When playing tug with your dog, you want to make sure both of you get a good grip & help avoid those dog teeth on your delicate skin.  Soft.  I prefer fleece tug toys.  These are much softer than rope, and if your dog plays with it himself, he wont bonk his head with a hard rope, or rubber attachment.  Fleece dog tugs are also easy to wash & re-tie.  Here is how to make a fleece tug toy!

Some dog tug rules to play by.  Teach your dog a good drop it.  Only play with specific tug toys (your dogs ball is not a tug toy).  Teach a "get it" and not allow your dog to jump & grab the tug toy unless you give permission.  You or your clothing is not part of the tug game.  Your dog IS ALLOWED & I encourage you to let him WIN the game!  What a great confidence boost for dogs lacking self esteem.

How to play tug with your dog.  Playing hard to get is usually one of the best ways to encourage your dogs interest in something.  Start inside your house without any distractions.  Tell your dog, "get it" as you take the tug & drag it on the floor in a strange & exciting pattern.  If your dog shows any interest, tell him how smart he is & keep encouraging him.  You will want your dog to get a grasp & feel confident in that before putting any resistance on it.  If this step is challenging for your dog, you can reward each attempt with a food treat.

After your dog builds confidence in grabbing the toy(this may take weeks for some dogs who are unsure about play), start to add resistance by holding the tug still, so your dog has to pull the tug.  Again, encourage your dog for this pulling so he knows its ok & fun.  Build this sequence until your dog is readily & happily grabbing the tug toy (after you say, "get it").

Once you have built your dogs confidence in grabbing & tugging the toy, throw in your drop it cue & rewardfor dropping.  For a refresher in drop it, you can put a smelly dog treat by your dogs nose, or bring the tug in close to your body & hold tight until he drops.

Quick Tips:

·        Get It-gives your dog permission to grab at the dog tug.  If he goes to grab before you give his cue, quickly bring the tug toy up to your chest & wait for your dog to stop grabbing & jumping.  When he does, try again.

·        Dont forget to teach a good drop.  If your dog usually drops, but is not in the game, slow down the tugging energy, less time before a drop.  You can also add food to boost the speed of the drop in the beginning.

·        Over Arousal issues.  If you are not able to get your dog to do his basic behaviors like sit & drop, then the game is too stimulating.  Slow it down, dont play as long.

·        Youre NOT the toy.  Any dog teeth on your skin or clothing abruptly ends the game.  Stop immediately & bring that tug to your chest.  As soon as your dog stops, play again.  I usually give a dog 3 times in a session to get it before calling it quits for the session.

·        Vocalization.  Some dogs are very vocal, particularly in tug.  If your dog is vocal during tug, that is ok.  But re-read the over arousal tip.  As long as that is good, no worries.  If the vocalization changes (gets louder, or more intense), I slow the game down a bit.

·        Guarding.  If your dog has issues with resource guarding (not wanting you to take prized items) please speak with a qualified dog behavior counselor first.

Stuffed Kong

·        All done.  When you are done playing, tell your dog, "all done" so he knows you are finished.  Feel free to allow him to keep his prize, or put it away if you are trying to keep tug very motivating.  If putting away, please give your dog a stuffed Kong or similar to chew on.  End on a high note.

If your dog is unsure how to play, I love Play Together, Stay Together by Dr. Patricia McConnell.  And Play With Your Dog by Pat Miller is another good one.

Enjoy playing with your dog!

Need some extra help?  

I offer both in person & online, web, video instruction!

Please feel free to contact me for details.

  
   

Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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Outdoor Activities With Your Dog

As some of you probably already know, I am a big advocate for keeping your dog on leash when out in public, or even in  your own yard unless it is securely fenced.  Some people may think Im a bit nuts, or too cautious, but I feel I am only being safe & most importantly ensuring the safety of my own dog.  I do not appreciate or tolerate unleashed dogs coming up to my dog or me when not invited.  I even wrote a blog post on how to keep your dog safe in this situation.  You can read that article here.  Just because my dog Dexteris friendly, social, appropriate & under verbal control does not give me the right to break the leash law.  Its that simple.  Ok, time to get off this rant.

This post was prompted by some Facebook friends who asked me what kinds of things they could do with their dogs outside if they do not have a fenced in yard for exercise, are avoiding dog parks & doggie day cares.  These ideas may not be suitable for all dogs depending on their health & behavior.  So choose which options work for you and your dog & edit as needed.

1.      Take your dog to the park as often as you can.  Taking your dog to various parks on his harness& 6 leash is great exercise both physically & mentally.  Dont forget to bring the high value organic dog treats for keeping his attention on you & for training along the way.  I love to mix it up by visiting different parks and taking different trails.  The goal is to not be boring & predictable.

Hugo is just starting to bike with his Mom.

Thanks Tar for submitting  your photo!

Please let us know how the new dog boots go

2.      Take your dog for a bike ride!  There are a few options in this selection.  The first is to use a bike attachment made exclusively for dogs that hooks to the core of your bike & has a metal arm that goes out with a leash that you attach to your dogs BACK clipping harness.  Of course you will need to slowly build your dogs confidence & conditioning before going out for a full run. 

·    The second way to bike with your dog & what I do with Dexter is to use a dog  bicycle trailer that hooks to your bike.  Dexter  really loves this adventure & we can go for longer rides since he wont get too tired.  Perfect for senior dogs, puppies, or dogs with medical conditions.  Read our review of the Trackr Houndabout Dog Bike Trailer 

30 Leash

3.      Games outdoors with your dog on a long leash.  When I say long leash, I mean you can get a 30 cotton dog leash for your activities.  You can attach this long dog leash to your dogs harness to ensure safety when playing in your unfenced yard, on the beach, field, or open area in a park.  With this leash attached Dexterhas the freedom to move around, fetch, run, sniff & I have the security of him being on leash.  We can pretty much do anything this way!  I tend to use a 20 or 30 or more lead depending on what Im doing.

4.      Swimming is great exercise for dogs and a nice way to cool down.  Again, you have a few options.  First, you can get a childs swimming pool and allow your dog to wade in it, or for some even swim!  They now even have portable dog pools that can fold up for the winter!

·   The second way would be in a regular size pool, lake, or pond.  But just keep in mind that a lot of dogs need help in learning how to swim, even our retrievers & water dogs!  You can purchase a dog life jacket to help your dog learn & to give you a little security as well.  Dexter  always wears his when we are boating. 

·   Keep in mind, if you are still not in a fenced in area, you will want to keep your dog leashed. Dexter  his own long leash that floats that I made out of boat line & a lobster claw clip.  Unlike the  30 cotton dog leash which gets bogged down with water & sinks, the boat line keeps afloat! 

Boat Line

I hope you find some of these ideas helpful.  Just keep in mind the games you can play with your dog outside or inside are endless!  I will work at teaching you some games in future blog posts.  There are just so many to choose from!

Tips:  

·        Always keep weather in mind.  Dogs can get overheated or too cold very quickly.  Have lots of fresh water for both  you and your dog.  I prefer to use a stainless steel water bottle for Dexter. 

·        I am a fan of cooling jackets for dogs too!  I made Dexters but there are some nice ones out there on the market. 

·        Build  your dogs tolerance for exercise slowly.  Just like we need to slowly start an exercise program, so does  your dog.  Dogs under 2 years of age are still developing & growing their bones and muscles.  Talk with your veterinarian prior to starting an exercise program.

·        Bring organic dog treats for attention. 

·        Have a dog first aid kit in your car or in your backpack. 

Need some extra help?  I offer both in person & online, web, video instruction!

Please feel free to contact me for details.

     

   

   

    

Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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When To Use a Harness to Walk Your Dog

Image Credit

I wrote a new Bubblews post today on When To Use a Harness to Walk Your Dog. I get a lot of people that are confused about harnesses and what they are actually for, so I thought I would share this with everyone!

Read it HERE

Amy @ Talented K9 Dog Training
talentedk9dogtraining@gmail.com
Talented K9 Website
Facebook Page
YouTube Channel

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When To Crate Train Your Puppy

While doing a search for some Talented K9 things, I came across another site that used my article Talented K9 Crate Training Tips. I am happy they thought my article was worthy of posting on their own site. So I wanted to give another thank you and a link back.

Visit them at When To Crate Train Your Puppy

The post was published a while ago, but better late than never right!? They also have some other good tips and articles on there, so its worth checking out.

Enjoy!


Image Source: Commons.wikimedia

Amy @ Talentedk9
talentedk9@yahoo.com
www.talentedk9.com

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Is Your Rottweiler Potty Trained Enough

Is Your Rottweiler Potty Trained Enough?

House Training a puppy or adult Rottweiler is such an essential issue for its owner that even a single exclusive tip turns out to be extremely helpful.

The first step in making your Rottweiler fit for polite company would be to potty train him. Some see this training as a hassle and some as a challenge.

For me, it is part of bringing up a pet.

Click here to subscribe to a FREE course on housetraining puppies and dogs.

There are a few things you need to know before you actually start potty training a puppy or adult Rottweiler. I enumerate these below:

• You need to understand your dogs body language. Watch for signs that will indicate to you when your pet wants to eliminate.

• If you own puppies, remember that they need to go potty at fairly frequent intervals - as soon as they wake up, after short naps, after play-time, after meals, before and after being crated and finally, before retiring for the night.

• Take your Rottweiler for walks at the time that he usually does his potty. Take him out to the yard and then to the same place there every time he needs to answer natures call.

• Praise your Rottweiler after he eliminates at the right place. Some Rottweiler owners even give treats to their dogs. But remember to do this every time he does it right. He will relate the rewards to his having "done it right" and zero in on the spot where you want him to defecate regularly.

• With time, you can try signal training. This is so that you know when your doggie wants to go. You can hang a bell at his level near the door and teach him to push it with his nose or pat it with his paw on his way out.

• Until your Rottweiler has been fully potty trained keep him under strict vigilance. Do not let him roam around the house freely.

• Use a crate. A crate-trained Rottweiler is usually very happy to get his own den. The advantage of crating is that dogs do not soil the place where they sleep. So, he will naturally not eliminate inside the crate.

• If you have a small dog and if you live in a high-rise building or in a place that does not have a proper backyard, you can try litter pan training. What you do is create a space for your pet to eliminate in your house itself.

• Use positive reinforcements while housebreaking puppies or adult dogs. Do not scold or hit him as you will gain nothing by doing that. He will only associate punishment with your return from outside. If you catch him in the act, a stern NO or FREEZE will do. It will startle the Rottweiler enough for him to stop pooping.

• Be prepared to return to a soiled home if you are keeping your Rottweiler home alone for more than 4 hours as separation anxiety is quite common among home - alone dogs.

• Accidents will happen. It is unusual for a trained adult Rottweiler to work against its house training. But medical problems or health disorders may lead to sudden accidents.

• Many dogs mark their territory. These can be a leg of a table or a particular wall. Intact male and female dogs mark their territories by urinating. Use deodorizers to spray on the places where your Rottweiler has marked.

• If you are patient and are ready to accept that house training a dog takes time, even months sometimes, you will end up having a good housetrained Rottweiler.

Click here to subscribe to a FREE course on house training puppies and dogs.

Now we will move on to how to potty train puppies and adult dogs.

Potty Training A Puppy:

Irrespective of breeds, housetraining a puppy is considered to be one of the biggest challenges by dog owners. If you think housetraining your puppy simply involves a steady supply of old newspapers, then think again.

A puppy does not develop full control over his bladder until it is over 4 or 5 months old. Since they are growing and developing rapidly at this time, puppies eat more, burn more calories and need to eliminate more frequently than an adult Rottweiler.

After each nap, meal, drink or play, take your puppy to his designated area (indoors or outdoors, wherever you have decided) and stay there until it eliminates. Then bring him to his crate.

Repeat this situation every day until he has developed a habit out of it.

Click here to subscribe to a FREE course on housebreaking a puppy.

Potty Training An Adult Rottweiler:

The best way to housetrain an adult Rottweiler is to begin all over again.

Observe him very closely. Maybe even maintain a diary of where he goes and when. Whether he is pooping when you are home or only when you are outside; whether you can time yourself to be home when he feels the need to go outside.

You can try dog crates, but be careful to introduce him gradually to them.

Click here to subscribe to a FREE course on potty training a dog.

Remember, commitment, consistency and intelligent use of positive reinforcement will make you the owner of a perfectly housetrained Rottweiler. Dont expect miracles. You will only be disappointed.

Get this FREE course on potty training a dog.

Get this unique Housetraining guide and start Housebreaking Your Rottweiler Today.

Copyright (c) 2009 TrainPetDog.com

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Summer Time Safety For Your Dog

The sun is shining, the grass is green, and the sweat starts to drip from our brow.  Please remember that your dog gets hot too.  But, your dog can not tell you when he has had too much.  As a responsible dog parent, it is your responsibility to keep your dog cool and comfortable during the summer months, ok ALL the time.  Heatstroke can happen in a blink of an eye.

Heatstroke in dogs is serious, and can become deadly very quickly. Never leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle, or unattended outside in humid, or warmer weather.  Unventilated rooms such as garages or barns can also be risky. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, cool water and shade.  Avoid walking on asphalt on extremely hot days. 

Some dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke. Short-nosed, flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds are at a higher risk because their airway cannot function properly to cool themselves down quickly enough.  Any dog who has difficulty breathing either due to being overweight, having a heart or lung condition or collapsing trachea are at a higher risk for heatstroke.  Other risk factors are dogs who have not had previous experience with high heat and humidity, or dogs with thick coats, thyroid disease, or any other serious illness.

Signs of heatstroke can include panting, drooling, rapid pulse, restlessness, loss of balance and fever.  If this happens, immediately run cool or lukewarm, not cold, water over your dog, particularly in areas where there is good blood flow, like the head, armpits, and groin. Afterwards, go to your veterinarian, or emergency vet clinic.  Heatstroke can lead to organ dysfunction and death, so it is an emergency. 

Here are some tips from veterinarian Judy Morgan.

But dont let the heat get you down.  There are plenty of summer fun activities that you can do with your dog, and products that can assist in keeping your dog comfortable in the summer heat.

1. Avoid the hottest part of the day
2. Avoid hot pavement
3. Dont overdo it, short outings, more often
4.  Incorporate cooling products such as a cooling jacket, cooling bandana, cooling mat, umbrella, dog stroller, covered wagon and dog boots
5. Keep the sunscreen on both you and your dogs nose, and skin if he is hairless
6. Have plenty of cool water, shade, and breaks
7.  Play games in and around a baby pool so your dog can go in and out
8. Take calming walks around waterfronts such as beaches and lakes
9. Play with the sprinkler
10. Play with ice cubes, or frozen treat toys
11. Strenuous exercise INDOORS, not outside

Here are some more tips from me on ways to keep your dog cool.

Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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Surviving the Winter Blues with Your Dog

Brrrr its cold out there! Today in Ohio, its a balmy 8 degrees. The only good thing about that is there isnt much snow on the ground. I thought, since Dexter and I are staying mostly inside today, it would be a nice time to offer some winter precautions and fun things you can do with your dog outside and inside.

Safety first. I am hoping that my readers do not keep their dogs outdoors.

Keep them warm

Dogs are companions, and offer us so much, we at the very least can offer them a warm home. However, they should go outside for potty breaks, physical and mental exercise. When its freezing outside, outside outings should be limited.

• Feet-Dog foot pads are not boots! A dogs feet get cold just like ours do. For quick potty breaks, toddler socks work well. They are easy to put on, and no worries when the fall off. If you get dark colors, you can find them in the snow. Dog boots are perfect for longer outings and walks. Out of all the dog boots Ive tried with Dexter, Satsox by far are our favorite. The runner up is Pawz, they keep the snow and ice out but they dont keep a paw very warm.
  • If your dog goes outside without boots or socks, please make sure you clean the salt and ice from his foot pads. A warm washcloth or pet wipes work well.
• Scoop-Unlike us (I hope), your dog needs to do his business outside. Scoop a nice, large walking area for him, the bigger, the better. If your dog likes to walk around before doing his business, make sure you scoop walking trails. Keep his potty area clean, or he wont want to eliminate there!
• Dog Coat-A must! Our dogs need to stay warm too. Look for a dog jacket that offers full-range of motion and covers their bottom.

• Sweaters-Yes. If you have a chilly dog, even indoors can be drafty. If you find your dog curling in a tight ball, or seeking the sun rays, a nice sweater will make all the difference in the world. Dexter is an odd-shaped dog, long and lean. We tend to have our sweaters custom made by MeekByDesign. She does amazing work! Dont forget to tell her Dexter sent you. You can also check Amazon for off the rack dog sweaters.
• Dog Hats-Why not? Dexter doesnt typically where a dog hat, but he has on occasion. It most definitely helped with the snow build up on his ears. He has long, long, spaniel ears that are a magnet for snow, and anything thing else they touch.
• Dry and Cover-When your dog is ready to come inside from playing, dont forget to dry him off. My favorite two towels are the Aquis microfiber towel and Mugzys Mutt towel. If your dog tolerates it, a dog hairdryer can feel oh, so good! While you are drying off your dog, toss your dogs favorite dog blanket into the dryer. After drying off your dog, remove the dog blanket from the dryer and cover up your pooch, or allow him to lay on it. Toasty!

Outdoor fun with your dog. During winter, dont miss those days that are actually sunny! Although, the weather still may be cold, it feels great to get a little vitamin D from the sun. Keep safety in mind, but sunny days are a nice time to get outside with your dog. Below are a few games you might be able to play with your dog.

• Snow Maze-Depending on the depth of the snow, and the height of your dog, a snow maze can actually be a really fun game. While your dog is inside staying warm, scoop various paths, leading to scooped open areas and treat filled toys. In the beginning, place the filled treat toy at the end of an easy path. Let your dog outside, and encourage him to sniff around. In the beginning, you will likely need to “help him” find the prize at the end. But, after a few sessions, your dog will get the idea, and your can make the paths more difficult.
• Snowball Fight- OK, maybe not a snowball fight, but what about a game of catch? Pack a little clean snow and toss it up in the air to the side of your dog. Dont toss it right at his face, he probably wont appreciate that until he realizes he can catch it. If your dog isnt much of a catcher, but more of a chaser, toss the snowball like you would a ball. Dont worry if the snowball blends with the other snow, its about chasing. When he gets to where you tossed, repeat with a new snowball.
• Find It-If there is a nice amount of snow, tossing a ball into the snow so that it buries itself can be loads of fun for some dogs. If the ball is brightly colored, it will be easier to find. You can also toss treats into the snow too.
• Skijoring and Sledding-For some people and their dogs, winter is their favorite time of the year. These are two dog sports for the active dog and owner. A quick Google search will teach you how to safely get started.
• Walking-It doesnt have to be fancy. Just because its winter, doesnt mean you and your dog have to be hermit crabs. Bundle both you and your dog up, and hit the park. A nice walk can be just what the doctor ordered. Dont forget to bring something to dry your dog off with.

Indoor games with your dog. When its just too cold, too snowy, or just too dark to go outside, you can still have fun with your dog. It is important to keep your dog both mentally and physically fit. I love playing with Dexter, and the cold weather just bumps up our indoor game repertoire. Below are some of my favorite games to play with my dog indoors.

• Find The Treat/Mommy-Its always a fun game to have your dog find a specific person, toy or even a treat. A great game for dogs of all ages and activity level. Read how to teach this trick in my other article-Find The Toy.
• Indoor Fetch-Who said you cant play ball in the house? Sure you can. You just need to modify it a little by not going crazy. A few, light tosses down the hall or living room can do the trick. Do you need a little help with the drop? Read how to teach your dog to drop or give here.
• Playing Tug-Maybe your dog is more of a tugger. Tug can be a nice indoor
  

  

  game. Playing a good game of tug can help your dog learn how to control his arousal, have a good drop, and listen. Learn how to safely play tug with your dog by reading this article.
• Indoor Obstacle Course-Grab some sturdy books, broom, boxes, a tall kitchen chair and even some mixing bowls. Make a fun doggie obstacle course for your dog to navigate. Place two books across from each other and place your broomstick on top=dog jump. Next, put your kitchen chair a few feet from the jump=tunnel. Line up your mixing bowls in a straight line about 2 apart=weave “poles”. Next, take your boxes and toss some treats inside=jackpot. Now, grab some treats and guide your dog through the course. This is fun, so dont worry about “doing it right.” Laugh, praise, treat and laugh some more.
• Food Puzzles with a Twist-In my article, How To Stuff a Hollow Dog Chew, I taught you the foundations of a good, filled dog toy. I like to bump it up a notch by hiding the dog food toy, or tossing the filled treat ball in a pillow case, inside a box, or in a laundry hamper. This puts another layer onto the game. For dogs who lack confidence, this is a nice confidence boosting activity.
• Dog Training and Tricks-Dogs are so smart, and when taught in a positive and fun manner, teaching your dog new tricks and behaviors can be a life saver in the winter. You can work on anything from obedience behaviors like stay, come when called, name game to fun tricks like hand target, spin, rollover or retrieving games.

Food For Thought. Energetically, all food will either warm or cool your body. In

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the winter, your dog may need to have more “warming foods” to combat all the coldness. This might be a time to add warming foods such as chicken, goat, lamb or venison to your dogs meals. Not sure how to start? Check out my book, Whats For Dinner, Dexter? to learn more.

Dexter and I have learned how to continue to have fun and exercise in the winter months, but we would prefer to spend our winters on a warm, sandy beach. :) When that time comes, you can check out my post on outdoor activities with your dog. Until then, stay warm and safe.

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Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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